I'm curious about Burning Man. Does it serve a purpose other than....

[SKKY]

...a reason for people to go get freaky in the desert? I'm interested, that's why I'm asking. If anyone has been, and would like to share your experiences, please do so.

[Critters2]

1. Here's some helpful info:

http://www.burningman.com/whatisburningman/

There are some Loungers who were there. Keep this kicked, so they see it and can answer your question.

[devilgrrl]

2. No. It's a festival of freakish creativity in the desert.

:-|

The ones who think it's a freakfest should just stick to going to Ft. Lauderdale and Corpus Cristi for spring break.

[sundog]

3. MonkeyFunk goes to burning man

ask him

[MonkeyFunk]

18. ummm

no he doesn't!

[Kali]

4. intentional creative community

haven't been, would have if younger for sure

[SKKY]

5. I hope I don't offend anyone by this post. I just watched a special...

...on it here in Spain, and the take I got from the special was that it's just a freakfest- which I should add the reporter doing the spot was quite impressed by.

[supernova]

6. My take is that it's like a camp for artists

Except you have to create the camp as well as your artwork.

I'm very curious. I'd like to go if I could find a partner in crime.

[devilgrrl]

8. Yeah, everyone just runs around naked and does drugs...

:eyes:

[Texasgal]

7. Burning Man

Is about ART. The "burning man" itself is a work of art.

They have an "art" vehicle contest ( bicycles) I believe and also set up "galleries"

It is a festival of ART.

[SKKY]

9. Ok, I gathered as much. Again, I didn't mean to offend...

...I was just asking.

[Texasgal]

10. Oh, I am not offended in the least!

Sorry if my post came off sounding that way.

I will admit that from what I have seen the festival does have some very different people attending!

[SKKY]

12. Well, from my experience, most serious artists are indeed "very different"...

...so it would stand to reason I guess.

[devilgrrl]

11. Video I shot this year - check out all the FREAKS!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XnbtnFTb-c

:eyes:

[Texasgal]

13. I thought I heard somewhere

That some festival goer burned the "burning man" before it was time??

What a bummer if it is true.

[devilgrrl]

14. Yes, some nut burned the man early

Happened in the wee hours Tuesday morning (there was a lunar eclipse in progress). Part of me was outraged - what a attention whore! The other part of me thought it was the funniest thing ever - it was bound to happened. We didn't find out about it until the next morning. There's pictures of the charred man in the video clip.

[Texasgal]

24. I'll have to check out the entire clip...

I guess in some ways it is kinda funny, but on the other hand it must have really sucked for people who have never been. The Burning man is kinda the cresendo of the festival, yes?

[devilgrrl]

25. Yes it is but at the expense of better projects.

The event coordinators would like the burning of the man to be the main attraction and seem to try and thwart other people from outdoing it. It annoys people, resulting in some idiot pulling what he did.

[laylah]

17. What creative minds!

Not my cuppa; however, I am very impressed! I can see my ex (kaghime's daddy person) participating in this gathering. He is a genius and so very creative. Thank you for providing this link. Nice vid!

[Bennyboy]

21. That is my favorite 2007 video....

Really nice.

[tigereye]

15. it seems like a wonderful creative community in the desert

fascinating.

I would love to go sometime.

[triguy46]

16. I love BIG art. I'm gonna hafta go. Will they let a 55yo in?

[devilgrrl]

19. Burning Man is a all-ages event.

My friends brought their 2 year old son this past year - he took it like a trooper.

The oldest person I met was 87.

So yes, a 55 year old would have no problem getting in and hanging out with their contemporaries.

:-)

[triguy46]

20. I really am intrigued. My inner soul yearns, my reality is suit and tie.

[Bennyboy]

22. It is.......

The most incredible experience one can possibly have. It is really a self awareness, enlightening experience.

For me, after the first time I went, I decided to create something. I had never really been into art from the creation side, but after going to BM, I got into it. I started a non profit that is art related. I do ceramics and large paper mache sculptures. I learned to swing fire poi. Thanks to BM, my creative side is now fully exposed.

It also exposes people to something that we do not get to experience in life..the creation of community. A community that cares for itself and thrives. One that is not hung up on artiifical consumerism, but is based in love, tolerance and understanding. Every one has to put in, or it does not work out.

For me it has always been a deeply personal experience. To be able to revel in the things that are good about humanity always makes me feel so good. It is very hard to return to the real world after the Burn. I did not go this eyar sadly and I missed it so much. Hearing my friends and seeing the great vids just get me pumped to go next year for sure.

[lligrd]

26. It Is A Take Off On The Bohemian Grove

If you want to see something really bizarre look up the Bohemian Grove.

[devilgrrl]

31. Now there's a FREAKFEST for you!

eom

[unpossibles]

23. here's my take

it is an arts fest that promotes self-reliance, being prepared, participation, and a gift-economy (sharing).

First and foremost it is an art festival which promotes self-expression. Some people choose to dress up in costumes, many don't, a few wear nothing at all. Some people make art or music or dance or perform somehow - some don't, but participation is strongly encouraged for everyone.

It is in the desert, so radical self-reliance is mandatory. You must pack out what you bring in, and respect for others persons, art, and ideas is also encouraged. You provide your own food, water, shelter, and anything else you need.

As for the gift economy, it is the most unique aspect. While everyone is supposed to be self-reliant we also share. No vending or corporate logos are allowed. If someone forgets something you share it if you choose, and most do. You don't have to, but it works really well.

As for the drugs image, I've found that it is true and not true. Yes, a lot of people get f'd up all week, but not as many as I expected. Not only is the environment really harsh (which makes it not easy to maintain a buzz all week,....lol), but also a lot of straightedge and AA people go there too.

Honestly, it's really a microcosm of the world. There are people from all over and from all subcultures, including the mainstream. We prefer to not have too many spectators - again, go to Spring Break if you just want to see boobs.

I kind of scoffed at the whole spiritual side of it that many speak of, but after going the first time, I really did feel better about humanity, and went back. For the number of people there, it is amazing how well everyone does get along, and from all sorts of religious/political/social backgrounds honestly. yeah, there are some jerks, but I encounter more in my daily life in the default world than I do there.

If you go, let me know and we'll try to meet up!

[DarkTirade]

27. I'm not sure 'purpose' and 'burning man' belong in the same sentance. :)

[idgiehkt]

28. I've always wanted to go

But I think I'm a little bit old for it. :hi:

[SKKY]

29. Old? What are you, like, 95 or something?

One thing I do know about Burning Man is that you get people of all ages- or so those who have been have told me.

[devilgrrl]

32. The oldest person I've met there was 87. Are you that old?

There are plenty of "seniors" in Black Rock City

[La Lioness Priyanka]

30. pm arcane1 he goes to burning man.

[Lethe]

33. dont know about the present, but the Celts used to burn people alive in them

for human sacrifices.

Nowadays, it looks like a really cool place to hang out and see some interesting art.

[MrScorpio]

34. It's Modern Day Bacchanalia

That's all the excuse you'll ever need